JULY 11, 2014 EDITION OF "ASK THE ARBORIST"

We have many swamps and wetlands here in Connecticut.  According to literature citied from “Connecticut Wilderness” a true swamp is considered a wetland primary forested with trees whereas a marsh is dominated by herbaceous rather than woody plants.  Both swamps and marshes contain a very diverse ecology of plants, trees, insects, birds and mammals.  The Red Maple (Acer rubrum) also referred to as the Swamp Maple will generally be located in and around most swamps and marshes.  Some of the plants found in fresh-water wetlands include ferns, skunk cabbage, jack-in-the-pulpit, ramps and jewelweed.  Some of the insects include damselflies, dragonflies and of course the inevitable mosquitos which can sometimes be a concern for local health departments because of the spread of West Nile Virus.   Most of our swamp / wetlands don’t contain harmful animals like poisonous snakes, but lately there have been both black bear and moose sightings so please be careful.  Many soil scientist   believe our swamps and mashes where formed  with  the receding ice glacier that covered all of Connecticut and most of New England millions of years ago.  The swamp photographs I have included were taken in Oxford, CT along the Larkin State Park Trail at the intersection of Riggs Rd and Towantic Hill Rd.  This is a beautiful swamp that can be easily accessed from Riggs Rd.    Remember your Yacko and Sons staff Forester is always available to give your trees A FREE LOOK-UP FROM THE TRUNK-UP!  jeff@yackoandsons.com  or 203-733-9219